New Testament
John 5:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
This made the Jews all the more determined to kill him, because he was not only breaking the Sabbath but was also calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
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Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
What John 5:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the Jewish leaders were increasingly hostile towards Jesus because he was breaking the Sabbath laws, which they strictly observed. More importantly, Jesus claimed a unique relationship with God by referring to Him as His Father. This statement implied equality with God, which was considered blasphemous by the Jewish authorities. They believed that by making such claims, Jesus was undermining their religious authority and challenging their understanding of God. This growing animosity led them to seek ways to eliminate him, as they viewed him as a serious threat to their beliefs and practices. The tension between Jesus and the Jewish leaders highlights the conflict between traditional religious interpretations and the new teachings Jesus was bringing, which emphasized a personal relationship with God rather than strict adherence to the law.
How to apply John 5:18 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of understanding our relationship with God. It challenges us to reflect on how we view Jesus and His claims about Himself. Are we open to the radical nature of His teachings, or do we cling to traditional views that may limit our understanding of God?
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
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Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
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John the Apostle
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did the Jews want to kill Jesus in John 5:18?
In John 5:18, the Jewish leaders sought to kill Jesus because he was breaking the Sabbath laws, which they strictly enforced. More significantly, Jesus claimed God as His Father, implying equality with God. This was seen as blasphemous and a direct challenge to their religious authority, leading them to view him as a serious threat to their beliefs.
How does John 5:18 relate to the concept of blasphemy?
In John 5:18, Jesus' claim of equality with God was considered blasphemous by the Jewish leaders. Blasphemy, in this context, refers to speaking irreverently about God or claiming divine status. The Jewish authorities believed that Jesus' statements undermined their religious teachings and authority, leading them to seek his death as a means to protect their beliefs.
What can we learn from the conflict in John 5:18?
The conflict in John 5:18 teaches us about the tension between traditional religious practices and the new teachings of Jesus. It encourages us to examine our own beliefs and openness to understanding God in a personal way, rather than strictly adhering to established norms. This verse challenges us to consider how we respond to radical teachings that may disrupt our comfort zones.
Why is the Sabbath important in the context of John 5:18?
The Sabbath is significant in John 5:18 because it represents a key aspect of Jewish law and tradition. Jesus' actions, which included healing on the Sabbath, were seen as violations of these laws. The Jewish leaders' strict observance of the Sabbath highlighted their commitment to the law, and Jesus' disregard for these rules was perceived as a threat to their religious identity and authority.
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